Defining traits of the family Canidae are reductions to 4 toes on the front of front feet with the fifth becoming a vestigial structure, consolidation of the scaphoid and lunar bones in the wrist, ossification of the tympanic bullae, and the development of a carnassial tooth. The most primitive canids resembled weasels and civets in having short limbs and long bodies. These ancestors, Hesperocyon and Cynodictis, were not simply ancestors to the canids, but many other carnivores. The first canids began appearing in the Eocene. Vulpes did not begin appearing until the Miocene [3].

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), as it appears today, is noted for having the widest natural distribution of all terrestrial mammals [1]. The animals are not very large, with females weighing 4.1-4.5 kilograms and males 4.5-5.4 kilograms. They also do not possess long life spans, usually only living to age 3 or 4. Though commonly called the red fox, the species has a variety of other color phases, including silver [2]. Throughout the world, particularly England, foxes are the target of sport, and are hunted for their pelts [1].

Despite the infringement of humans in their habitats, foxes have managed to survive in the changing environment [1]. The foxes are not restricted to one habitat. They have adaptive capabilities, whether wooded forest, prairie, or farmland [2]. The living group resides in a den, and consists of 1 male, 1 or 2 females, and their young [1]. Territoriality in foxes has not been studied, but it is inferred that they remain in the same area for life. Foxes are considered to be nocturnal, but there are observations of diurnal activity during daylight hours, possibly adjusting in order to better locate food [2].

Foxes may run at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. Vulpes vulpes has the capability of leaping 2 meters into the air. These techniques may be useful when searching for food (mice, insects, rabbits).

To hunt prey, it may do so in different fashions [1]. First, it may remain motionless, allowing the prey to come into proximity. The fox then pounces with its stiffened legs onto the prey. This is the technique employed for mice, insects and smaller prey. Additionally, a fox may stalk its prey, and if the prey is elusive (such as a rabbit), the fox will pursue the animal with its speed. If the prey is large, the fox will subdue it with bites to the pectoral region [2].

Sources:
1. Ronald Nowak. Mammals of The World. 5th Ed. Vol.2 John Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, 1991. 1050-1051.

2. E.D. Ables. 'Ecology of the Red Fox in North America.' Wild Canids. Ed. M.W. Fox. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co: New York, 1975. 216-236.

3. Howard Stains. 'Distribution and Taxonomy of the Canidae.' Wild Canids. Ed. M. W. Fox. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co.: New York, 1975.3-4.